Place elasticity: exploring a new conceptualization of mobility and place attachment in rural america

Abstract

Migration and place attachment are often coupled within the migration decision-making literature with the underlying assumption that individuals with strong place attachments are less likely to migrate than individuals with weaker ties to place. As communication technologies have improved, however, new forms of place attachment and connections between individuals and places are evolving. We introduce the concept of place elasticity as a new conceptualization of place attachment made possible by innovations in communication and transportation technologies. Place elasticity allows individuals to live in distant locales while maintaining close interaction with a particular place. We explore this concept with questionnaires and interviews from a sample of individuals from rural Appalachian counties in eastern Kentucky. Rural residents of this region have been noted for their strong place attachments and connections to their home county. Based on our questionnaires and interviews from family reunions we propose that place elasticity has three distinct characteristics: portability, strong place bonds, and permanence and that these traits allow individuals to remain connected to home counties and family, thereby allowing migration and settlement in distant locations with minimal loss of connectedness.Mobility and migration histories are inextricably bound with evolving place attachment.

Staying in a state of flux: A life course perspective on the diverse staying processes of rural young adults

“…This is often referred to as identifying against (Rose, ). Scale is important: The attachment may be to a region, an area, or locality, to a landscape (Barcus & Brunn, ; Hidalgo & Hernandez, ) or to a particular house where ancestors once lived (Roin, ). This attachment and sense of belonging will have been strengthened by “personal moments of the place” (Antonisch, ), that is, the stayer's past, present, and anticipated future biography in that place.…”

Dull Place or Green Idyll: Local Identity and Migration Intentions of Small City Youth

“…High‐speed transport, for example, allows frequent trips, while the Internet and telephone networks allow for easy long‐distance communication. The above possibilities contribute to the reduction of ‘perceived distance … and expand perceived proximity’ (Barcus & Brunn , p. 293). Individuals may therefore be able to maintain strong ties to a place of personal significance to them – because it provides a sense of security and a feeling of ‘belonging’ to the local community (Gustafson ; Kunuroglu et al ) – even while residing elsewhere.…”

Immobility and the re-imaginings of ethnic identity among Mongolian Kazakhs in the 21st century

“…As with all aspects of cultural identity, place identity is mediated through an individual's interaction with other members of their family and community as well as with external sources of information and perceptions. It may also be held in common by families and the desire to return to a particular place, not just a particular home dwelling, may transcend generations (White, 1983(White, , 1989White and Brunn, 1994;Barcus and Brunn, 2010). An individuals' perception of place identity is conditioned by their own social position and experiences, inclusive of cultural norms.…”